Tokyo Trans March 2026: Everything You Need to Know

November is the month we observe International Transgender Day of Remembrance, memorializing all our transgender siblings whose lives were tragically cut short by transphobia. Alongside this solemn remembrance, however, we must also celebrate trans joy, visibility, and prepare to fight for — and live in — a more accepting and equal world.

That is the purpose of the 东京横贯三月. Now in its sixth year, the 2026 theme is “Beautiful World.” It is a theme that signifies the goal of transgender people in Japan: to live in a world where everyone can safely be themselves. We’ll tell you all you need to join and enjoy this event that brings transgender people and allies together to celebrate one another.

Tokyo Trans March 2026 at a Glance

Tokyo Trans March Highlights

东京横贯三月

As you may imagine, the march itself is the centerpiece of the event. Anyone is welcome to march, regardless of gender or sexuality. Participants should register for the march on the day of the event at the central booth.

This year, participants should begin assembling at 1pm at Tsunohazu Bridge, south of FUN MORE TIME Plaza. Staff will be able to direct you to the starting point if you get lost. The march starts at 1:30pm and will take approximately one hour to complete.

The march will include a sound truck, with performances from dancers Ageha, Miu Moritsuki, trans man Gogo Boy YOSHIYUKI, performance artist VASCO DA GAMACO, and music from DJ and Transgender Japan representative Tomato Hatakeno.

This year’s theme is “Beautiful World.” As mentioned, it is not a recognition of the world as it is, but an aspiration for transgender people in Japan and across the world. In a statement, the organisers say:

We want the march itself to create a “Beautiful World,” and to tell trans people living with hardship or loneliness—and everyone facing difficulties—that this world may still be worth believing in.

Our circumstances and fears may differ, but none of us is alone. By connecting and supporting one another, we will nurture a future where everyone can live safely.

Tokyo Trans Festival

Tokyo Trans March first began in 2021, on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance, attracting roughly 500 marchers. The next year saw this number double to approximately 1,000 participants.

This year promises to be the biggest yet, with lots of booths and exciting speakers, performers, and mascots to meet!

主舞台

The main stage is where the action is at, and this year has a lot of top-flight talent and major members of the Japanese transgender community visiting to speak and perform.

The main stage’s MCs this year are Karen Yoda and Kanata Ando. Yoda is a transgender woman who recently ran for a seat in Japan’s national parliament. She also served as a member of the Shinjuku Ward Assembly, and works as an administrative scrivener and entertainer. Ando is an athlete, double dutch world champion, and the first transgender student at Nippon Sport Science University to study in the men’s class. Today, he runs a gender-inclusive gymnastics school while giving LGBTQ+ talks and supporting students.

There will also be performances from singer Anna Nagasaki, pop-rock artist Ryusei Shun, Rio @ Gender Split, a one-person, two-role performance, and Satsukipon with Neconeco Dancers, making their second appearance at the Tokyo Trans March. There will also be a performance by the US glam-punk duo The Daddy Sisters.

Additionally, the Tokyo Trans March festival will be attended by three special characters! First, we have Ninnikun, who has a garlic-bulb head and frequently attends walking events to stay healthy. We will also be joined by Toby, a rainbow-colored Japanese flying squirrel and the mascot of Tokyo Pride. Finally, Tokyo Trans March will be welcoming Chiitan☆, the famous fairy baby otter, and ally to trans people around the world!

展位

There will be a wide range of 摊位 to visit this year. Highlights include: The Precariat Union, a labor union anyone can join (even as an individual) who will be giving consultations and aromatic hand massages; Otome Juke & Sera, which will be selling original goods and books on feminizing hormones; and Marriage For All Japan. Bar G-Pit will also be selling a Tokyo Trans March limited-edition cocktail.

There will also be food trucks for tasty treats, such as Taiwan Saki Mianxian, selling specialty Taiwanese noodles, HOPEHOPE, which sells vegetarian burgers.

Getting Around Tokyo Trans March

Tokyo Trans March takes place in Shinjuku Central Park, with the festival held in FUN MORE TIME Plaza (formerly Water Plaza).

最近的车站

The easiest station to get to Shinjuku Central Park FUN MORE TIME Plaza is Tochomae Station, on the Toei Oedo Line. Take exit A5 and turn right, then turn right again into the park. The walk takes roughly one minute.

It is also a roughly ten-minute walk from Nishi-shinjuku Station on the Marunouchi Line. Leave via Exit 2, then turn right and walk southwest towards Kita Dori. Continue southwest down Kita Dori, cross at the intersection of Shinjuku Chuo Park-N, and enter the park.

Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest stations in the world, is the nearest major station. From the West Exit, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to Shinjuku Central Park, walking west along Chuo Dori.

入境及注意事项

Entry to the Tokyo Trans March is totally free!

无障碍环境

Shinjuku Central Park FUN MORE TIME Plaza is wheelchair accessible. Tochomae Station and Nishi-shinjuku Station are also wheelchair accessible via elevators.

文化因素

Visiting Japan and the Tokyo Trans March is a lot of fun! But remember that there are a few things to be considerate of, both inside and outside the festival.

日本的LGBTQ+生活

Tokyo Trans March itself is an openly LGBTQ+ environment, so you can feel free to be lovey-dovey with your partner, regardless of your gender or sexuality.

Everyday interactions in Japan, however, tend to be a little more reserved. Public displays of affection are generally less common than in many other countries, regardless of sexuality — even straight people get side-eyed if they start canoodling.

摄影

Tokyo Trans March has a celebratory atmosphere, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to end up in somebody else’s camera roll.

Even if someone is wearing a flamboyant outfit, unless they are clearly posing for photos, ask before taking a picture.

The same goes for physical contact. If you’re taking a pic with a drag queen, gogo dancer, or anyone else, ask before putting your hand on their shoulder or around their waist. Better to ask than make someone uncomfortable.

Because this event specifically centers transgender people, you should not assume someone’s gender by their appearance. Please be respectful, and if describing a third party, use gender-neutral terms. For example, rather than saying “that woman near the booth,” you could say “that person in the yellow shirt near the booth.”

In the unlikely event that you do witness disruptive behaviour or discrimination, make staff aware. Do not try to handle it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tokyo Trans March